Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Oven-baked cheesy tacos are a simple and delicious twist on a classic favorite. Crispy taco shells filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the taco shells upright in a baking dish to prepare them for filling.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the beef. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crisp and golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Step 8: Serve warm with optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce for added flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Try mixing different cheeses for extra flavor, such as adding pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a fresher taste.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture to boost texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes to keep the shells crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture and chop toppings ahead, but assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to ensure the shells stay crisp.
What can I use if I don’t have hard taco shells?
Soft tortillas can be used instead, though baking time will be shorter and the texture less crispy. Alternatively, use taco boats or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Print
Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Description
These Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos offer a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring seasoned ground beef baked with melted cheese in crisp taco shells, topped with fresh vegetables and optional creamy sides like sour cream and guacamole. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, they combine savory flavors with a satisfying crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- Salt & pepper to taste
Shells and Cheese
- 8 hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the hard taco shells upright in a baking dish. This step ensures the shells stay crisp and ready to hold the fillings during baking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely diced onion until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness. Then add the minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for about 1 minute to release the flavors. Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb the seasoning and thicken slightly.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef in each shell to ensure a melty, cheesy finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled tacos in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the taco shells turn crisp and golden brown.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the tacos from the oven and add fresh toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm alongside optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, and hot sauce to customize each taco to your taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime over the tacos before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the taco shells and seasoning are certified gluten-free.
- Leftover taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: oven baked tacos, cheesy tacos, ground beef tacos, easy taco recipe, Mexican tacos, baked tacos with cheese
